Super subs save the day again as England go through to Women’s Euro 2025 final

GENEVA – Just when England’s reign as European champions appeared to be coming to an end, their bench cavalry rode to the rescue once more, as substitutes Michelle Agyemang and Chloe Kelly got the goals that put them into the Women’s Euro 2025 final.

Trailing 1-0 deep into second-half stoppage time against Italy in their semi-final, the defending champions looked beaten, but Agyemang cancelled out Barbara Bonansea’s opener to force extra time and Kelly snatched the winner to seal England’s place in the decider in Basel on July 27.

For the second game in a row, the pair came on and proved decisive, and with Beth Mead also impressing from among the ranks of the replacements, England manager Sarina Wiegman has some welcome selection problems ahead of the final against Germany or Spain.

Just as she did against Sweden in the quarter-final, Agyemang came off the bench to equalise, and though that game went to a penalty shoot-out, this time Kelly needed only the rebound from one late spot kick to send her side through.

Will the duo start in the final? Or are they better off on the bench?

Agyemang has been a colossus for England in her substitute appearances to date, providing power, physicality and a nose for goal when they need it most – not bad for a 19-year-old who was a ball girl for an England game at Wembley only four years ago.

Kelly’s wing work has been equally exemplary, her unshakeable confidence allowing her to persistently create chances and change every game she entered.

Their contributions were vital. Italy defended with a mix of heroism, wisdom and cynicism that looked to be enough to see them into the final for the first time since 1997.

The Italians had done superbly, making sure their clearances went to a teammate or out to the wings to lessen the danger, and they presented the England players with a solid block in the middle, inviting them to shoot from distance.

Their strategy of compressing space and denying angled balls behind their defence effectively restricted England’s attack, limiting striker Alessia Russo to a handful of touches in the box.

But the introduction of Agyemang and her combination of skill and physicality gave England a more direct weapon, and with Kelly marauding down the wings, the reigning champions suddenly looked to have a sliver of hope.

Italy goalkeeper Laura Giuliani spilt the cross that Agyemang snapped up and converted into an equaliser, and she saved Kelly’s extra-time penalty, but could do nothing to prevent the winger from steering home the rebound as the super subs struck again to save England.

“We’re going to make a movie some day. Well, this is a movie, my goodness, it’s unbelievable. Here we are again, it’s really, really special,” an elated Wiegman said, praising her supporting cast for their blockbuster ending.

One more match to go, before the Lionesses can officially call it their Hollywood campaign.
REUTERS